Collaboration Between Keysight and KD
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has partnered with KD, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company, to enhance testing for Multigigabit Optical Automotive Ethernet physical layer technologies. This collaboration aims to develop a comprehensive assessment method for automotive Ethernet systems that ensures compliance and performance. By creating the Transmitter Distortion Figure of Merit (TDFOM) measurement, the companies will help validate PMD transmitter conformance while adhering to IEEE 802.3cz and Open Alliance standards.
The Evolution of Automotive Ethernet Standards
Modern vehicles are increasingly reliant on sophisticated technologies, containing over 100 million lines of code that support extensive infotainment systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). As the demand for high-speed data processing grows, automotive Ethernet standards are also evolving to accommodate multi-gigabit data rates. The newly introduced IEEE 802.3cz standard, established in 2023, now facilitates operations up to 50 Gb/s over glass optical fiber. This standard establishes essential requirements for both the physical layer and management parameters across multiple speed levels, aimed specifically at automotive environments.
Significance of the New TDFOM Metric
The introduction of the TDFOM measurement combined with advanced signal analysis capabilities represents a considerable leap forward in evaluating the quality of optical signals transmitted through glass fiber. Following the specifications in IEEE 802.3cz, this metric employs a reference receiver that simulates typical integrated circuit (IC) setups, ensuring effective interoperability across different transmitters. This provides a calibrated approach crucial for accurate compliance testing of optical receivers used in automotive Ethernet applications.
Enhancing Testing Capabilities in the Automotive Sector
This strategic partnership leverages KD's innovative software-based reference receiver and signal analysis techniques alongside Keysight's renowned optical-to-electrical conversion and oscilloscope technology. The outcome is a robust testing platform that scrutinizes the capacity of transmitted optical signals to meet comply with the requisite system Bit Error Rate (BER) after navigating through the most challenging optical channels and reference receivers in the automotive setting. This collaboration stems from both companies' active contributions to formulating the final TDFOM specification during the IEEE 802.3cz standardization process.
Comments from Industry Leaders
Rubén Pérez-Aranda, KD’s CTO and co-founder, remarked, "This agreement signifies a major stride towards equipping OEMs and Tier-1 companies with the necessary tools to test optical communications quality conforming to IEEE Std 802.3cz. Our collaboration with Keysight has allowed us to outline the measures and tests required to assure that new Ethernet communications standards satisfy the automotive industry’s high-quality expectations."
Furthermore, Thomas Goetzel, Vice President, and General Manager at Keysight's Automotive & Energy Solution division, emphasized the positive impact of this partnership. He stated, "Automotive Ethernet technologies are advancing rapidly, benefiting significantly from the integration of optical fiber technologies that enable high-speed networking within vehicles. Our cutting-edge test and measurement devices, along with KD’s optical measurement expertise, are geared towards empowering customers to investigate reliable high-speed links in the arena of in-vehicle networks."
Driving Innovation Forward
The collaboration between Keysight and KD is set to infuse the automotive sector with enhanced capabilities for validating and refining next-generation technologies. By uniting their strengths, the two companies aspire to foster innovation, improve interoperability, and facilitate the adoption of advanced optical communication standards throughout the automotive industry. This endeavor will likely reshape the landscape of automotive networking and provide a robust framework for the rising demands of high-speed vehicle communications.
About Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) is a leader in fostering innovation, empowering engineers to bring groundbreaking technologies to fruition. As a member of the S&P 500, Keysight delivers authoritative design, emulation, and testing solutions that help accelerate the entire product life cycle with minimal risk. The company stands as a global partner for innovation, offering solutions across communications, industrial automation, aerospace, defense, automotive, semiconductors, and electronics sectors, all aimed at enhancing connectivity and security globally. To learn more, explore the Keysight Newsroom and visit www.keysight.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the partnership between Keysight and KD?
The partnership focuses on advancing Multigigabit Optical Automotive Ethernet testing through the development of a comprehensive testing platform that utilizes new signal analysis capabilities.
What is the TDFOM measurement?
The TDFOM (Transmitter Distortion Figure of Merit) is a new signal analysis metric that assesses the quality of optical signals transmitted over automotive Ethernet systems, ensuring compliance with standards.
How does the IEEE 802.3cz standard impact automotive technology?
The IEEE 802.3cz standard supports operations up to 50 Gb/s over glass optical fiber, which helps future automotive technologies manage high-speed data requirements.
What are the benefits of using optical fiber technologies in vehicles?
Optical fiber technologies enable faster data rates and higher bandwidth, crucial for supporting complex systems like ADAS and infotainment systems in modern vehicles.
What role does Keysight play in this partnership?
Keysight contributes its test equipment and measurement expertise to support the development and implementation of new automotive Ethernet standards, enhancing signal quality testing.
